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The method statement is used by Natural England to make sure that the proposed work will not have a harmful effect on the European protected species (EPS) concerned.

This statement requires knowledge of the species and is usually completed by a consultant ecologist.

You need to include details of:

• the proposed work
• surveys conducted, with details of species numbers and how the species uses the site
• an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed work
• mitigation plans (how youll reduce or cancel the damage if you cant avoid affecting the species)
• compensation plans (how youll compensate for any unavoidable damage)
• timetable of work being licensed

Do not use this method statement for EPS species that have their own method statement form:

• bats
• dormice
• great crested newts

Use the EPS licensing policies

As part of your mitigation licence application, you may be able to use the EPS licensing policies to:

• reduce the level of survey you need to carry out
• reduce the mitigation requirements
• improve flexibility on where you create habitats as a compensation measure

Find out when and how to use European protected species policies to benefit EPS.